Tom,
Right on. The quantitative/qualitative mix gives you "good data." Then, it's important to do something with that data. Thanks for your input. Nice job.
There is no single evaluation tool that can help me close the loop. Taking into consideration feedback from all stakeholders and from multiple sources would be a good idea. The reasons for evaluating course are many as was mentioned Module 4: to improve student learning experience, improve curriculum, focus professional development, and impact personal decisions. All these reasons will require different tools to gather information both quantitative and qualitative before closing the loop. Thanks, Tom
William,
True. We get different information from the various audiences and it gives us a more well-rounded evaluation. Thanks!
I agree with Donna in the previous thread, student and administrator are two really good sources. The student sees the outcomes from a user experience whereas the instructor might gain insight from different techniques used by faculty teaching similar courses.
Janet,
A peer evaluation for an instructor shouldn't be looked at as an "evaluation" but a feedback session. They're giving you helpful hints, not evaluating you as though you'll get a raise or not. ;-) Just take it as feedback and don't be stressed. Thanks!
Cynthia,
Feedback from a variety of people gives us feedback that comes from various perspectives. This is very helpful. We do alumni surveys to get feedback from previous students in the work world to make sure our curriculum helped prepare them for their jobs. This is helpful as well. Thanks!
Janet,
It certainly would help all students understand the objectives and expectations. It also helps students become better at providing constructive feedback. Thanks.
Hi, All,
I think a peer evaluation may be the most comprehensive, particularly when based on a standardized rubric.
Janet
Hi, Everyone,
At one institution where I have taught, we used both a peer evaluation (in rubric format) and students evaluations, in addition, of course, to my own assessment of the course. I find it helpful to have peers evaluate the course, although I also find that to the be the most stressful evaluation!
Janet
Feedback from
Peers, administrators, current/former students, internship/externship contacts, instructor from graduate level institutions that receive our students and employers that hire them.
If we could follow the path of a student to and through the final destination and gain feedback, it would greatly contribute to our planning.
Henry,
Thanks for bringing up the point that students are consumers, but I have heard more and more lately that the future employers are the consumer of our product, the students. Your thoughts?
I believe that student questionaires are one of the best means of closing the loop. Given that students are the consumer, with the right questions, students have the opportunity to give an unbiased evaluation of the curriculum and the method of delivery.
Dr. Henry Johnson
Francis ,
Student performance does tell us some things, but it doesn't tell is whether it's the students' "fault" or our "fault." Keep getting input from varying places/people. Thanks!
Broderick,
Agree. Student feedback is important and provides us with much detail so that we can make edits to the course as needed. Thanks!
I feel you have to look at student performance. If too many students are not doing well in the course, then that is a clear indicator that the course needs to be revised. We have to be sensitive to the fact that the problem may be with the course, not the students.
I strongly believe that student feedback is important and the best method to reinforce what students have learned and also to point out the deficiencies students have with the topics. In accounting and finance, I need to provide specific feedback for students to understand and incorporate in their knowledge the difficult material they need in their programs.
Sara,
I agree. Various evaluations provide us with different feedback. Many times we need feedback from others to help us think about how we can improve. Thanks!
Hello Dr. Crews and Colleagues, :-)
Our text states that closing the loop refers to “creating effective linkages between student learning outcomes assessment and planning that inform and drive the academic learning process.†I feel that there are merits to many types of evaluations. What makes them effective is if we truly relate them to what students need to know relative to the course objectives. I utilize various types of assessments: tests, rubrics, portfolios, etc; the use of each one depends upon the material that needs to be assessed. I also feel it’s important to have evaluations from students and administrators as they complete the picture of a course’s effectiveness and help to point out areas of strength and improvement that lead to course and instruction revisions, the ultimate goal of which is to provide students with the best possible learning experience.
Sara Fine
Online Instructor
Donna,
Good point. We do have to view all feedback as an opportunity to improve. This will ultimately help the students learn. Thanks!
laura,
You are right - and these provide a variety of feedback from different points of view. We do have to assess other people's feedback and then make edits where we can to improve the course and student learning. Thanks!
